If You Ever Thought Ackles Can't Act, Here's 13-Second Proof You're Wrong
If you consider Jensen Ackles just a pretty face, think again, as one short clip shows just how talented an actor he really is.
The 13-second clip, shared by @jaistiel on Twitter, shows Ackles in his most recognized role as Dean Winchester in Supernatural. The video is taken from the episode 'The Song Remains the Same' from season 5.
To recap the plot, Sam and Dean travel back to the past to save their parents from the angel Anna, who is attempting to prevent Sam's birth. During their mission to stop Anna's plan, the brothers visit their parents to warn them.
The clip is a slowed-down shot of Dean's reaction to seeing his (younger) father in person. Dean's expression goes from surprised to alarmed to disciplined as soon as he appears.
"Dean instantly transforming into Daddy's blunt instrument, his soldier. Sam reverting back to scared kid. It hurts," @jaistiel describes the video, and we can only agree and applaud Ackles' talent.
The range of emotion Dean shows in just those few moments is a reminder of Dean's complex relationship with his deceased dad and a testament to Ackles' acting ability to portray it convincingly.
The Winchester brother's complicated relationship with their father was a theme of the show from its very beginning.
Although John dies at the start of season 2, his character often has a lasting effect on Sam and Dean's development and backstory.
Throughout the series, more also comes to light of the abuse the brothers faced from their father growing up.
Especially for Dean, who had to learn to grow up fast but was also intimidated by his dad because he was committed to making him proud.
The reaction to his father in this video shows the lasting effect of his father's abuse on Dean and how clearly Ackles understood the character to portray such detail in the scene.
Fans quickly replied to the clip with praise for noticing such detail from Ackles and respect for one of their favorite characters.
@beccasuboo commented on the clip, saying, "I've never noticed that before... Makes sense though... fuck John Winchester…". Others responded to the sadness of what the clip implied for Dean's character.
Since the end of Supernatural, Ackles has appeared in several successful roles, including the popular character of Soldier Boy in the third season of The Boys.
Sticking to his Supernatural roots, he helped produce and narrate the first season of the series spin-off The Winchesters. He also joined the main cast of the crime-drama series Big Sky after he appeared as a guest star in its second season.
Clearly, Ackles still has much more to share, and we're always delighted to see him demonstrate his acting talents in new roles. Even if it's not as Dean anymore.